RRAD breaks ground on third phase of MSSC

RRAD Commander Col. Doyle Lassitter joins other officials during the groundbreaking ceremony June 25 for phase three of the Maneuver Systems Sustainment Center.

RRAD Commander Col. Doyle Lassitter joins other officials during the groundbreaking ceremony June 25 for phase three of the Maneuver Systems Sustainment Center.

Texarkana, TEXAS -- Red River Army Depot officials and distinguished guests gathered June 25 during a ceremony to mark new construction for phase three of the Maneuver Systems Sustainment Center. The facility will be used for assembly/disassembly of all tactical wheeled vehicle work for the depot.

In March 2012, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $45 million contract to GCC-McCarthy Joint Venture for construction of the 232,000 square foot facility. Phase three will complete the facility portion of the MSSC project and will be located on approximately ten acres.

"The completion of this project will give our employees a central facility that provides them with the ability to conduct every step of maintenance for the many vehicles in our Army fleet," said RRAD Commander Col. Doyle Lassitter. "It will consolidate operations that are currently dispersed throughout various buildings on the depot, it will Lean our maintenance processes, eliminate non-value added steps, and allow us to quickly return vehicles to our Soldiers on schedule and within cost."

Joining Col. Lassitter for the ceremony was Michael Viggato, TACOM Life Cycle Management Command deputy to the commanding general and Peggy Grubbs, representing the commander of the Ft. Worth district Corps of Engineers. Also on hand were representatives from several offices including Sen. John Cornyn, Sen. Mark Pryor, Rep. Ralph Hall and Rep. George Lavender. Other guests included Dennis Lewis from the Texas Military Preparedness Commission; Honorable Bob Bruggeman, mayor of Texarkana; Honorable Johnny Branson, mayor of New Boston; Honorable Mike Babb, mayor of Hooks; and Jeff Sanford, president of the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce.

Construction on phases one and two of the MSSC began in 2008 with the tactical vehicle processing facility. Phase one encompasses approximately 36,000 square feet. Phase two, the tactical vehicle repair facility, is 26,000 square feet. The three phase project is funded by the Military Construction and Veterans Appropriations Bill.

Before the completion of the first two phases, the depot had not constructed a new building since the 1980s.

"Over the years, our Red River team has consistently conducted quality work inside these older buildings; however, in order to remain the depot of choice for repair and overhaul of tactical wheeled vehicles, we must continue to strive for positive change," said Lassitter. "The construction that we commemorate here today is an example of positive change that will ensure continued success for Red River Army Depot."

The final phase of the facility is scheduled for completion in 2014.

"My son is now a sophomore in ROTC and just like any other parent we don't want our children to have faulty equipment and they won't because of what you all do here," said Viggato. "With this facility you'll do even greater things."